Abstract
Dry Tortugas National Park, located at the western tip of the Florida Keys, functions as an important nesting habitat for Loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and green (Chelonia mydas) sea turtles. Both species are threatened, largely due to historical widescale exploitation and harvest. Current sea turtle populations are impacted by a variety of stressors as well as a few prominent drivers of mortality, which collectively pose barriers to recovery. This research examined the nesting patterns and reproductive success of both sea turtle species on Loggerhead Key in Dry Tortugas National Park. Sea turtle nesting locations were analyzed to determine hot spots of nesting activity and nesting success for both species. Factors related to nest location, including distance to vegetation and high-water line, were also investigated to see if they had an impact on reproductive success. Furthermore, nearshore habitat was analyzed to determine if it explains nest site preferences. Results showed definite and spatially unique nesting hot spots for each species. Reproductive success also had distinct hot and cold spots, which often overlapped with the hotspots of nesting activity. Nests distance to the highwater line was not shown to impact reproductive success; however, the distance to the seaward vegetation had a weak relationship to reproductive success. Finally, nearshore habitat had significant influence on where females chose to nest. Understanding and documenting preferred nesting locations of these two sea turtle species is essential for effective management within Dry Tortugas National Park. Analysis and interpretation of factors including distance to vegetation and highwater line and nearshore habitat could be used to inform beach closures, vegetation management, or nest relocation policies. Nesting beach protection and management is essential for sea turtle conservation. This research better informs these practices in Dry Tortugas National Park and beyond.